The historic sporting rivalry between southern African neighbours, South Africa and Zimbabwe, has been in the spotlight this month with significant encounters in both cricket and football. A Test series is currently underway in Bulawayo, while the two nations recently clashed on the football pitch in the COSAFA Cup.
**Cricket: Proteas' Young Guns Take on Zimbabwe in Test Series**
In the cricketing arena, a new-look South African Test squad is currently facing Zimbabwe in the first of a two-match series at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. The first Test commenced today, June 28, 2025.
South Africa, captained by Keshav Maharaj in the absence of the injured Temba Bavuma, won the toss and elected to bat first. The Proteas have fielded a significantly changed side from their recent triumphant World Test Championship campaign, with several key players rested. This has paved the way for three debutants: batters Dewald Brevis and Lhuan-dre Pretorius, and fast bowler Codi Yusuf.
For Zimbabwe, the series presents a crucial opportunity to test their mettle against the world's top-ranked Test nation, albeit a less experienced version. The home side will be looking for strong performances from their senior players to challenge the visitors.
This series marks the first Test encounter between the two nations since 2017 and is a welcome return to red-ball cricket between the neighbours.
**Football: Bafana Bafana Overcome Warriors in COSAFA Cup**
Earlier this month, the footballing arms of the two nations locked horns in a COSAFA Cup group stage match in Bloemfontein. South Africa's Bafana Bafana emerged victorious with a 2-0 win over the Zimbabwe Warriors.
The match saw South Africa take the lead in the first half through a penalty, successfully converted by Kabelo Dlamini. The victory was sealed in the second half with a goal from Ime Okon. The result was a crucial one for South Africa's campaign in the regional tournament.
The encounter highlighted the ongoing passion and competitiveness that defines the footballing relationship between the two countries, a rivalry that has produced many memorable matches over the years.
In other national team news, the South African women's team, Banyana Banyana, is facing a dispute with the South African Football Association (SAFA) over unpaid bonuses ahead of the upcoming Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). Meanwhile, Zimbabwe's football is navigating a period of rebuilding and transition.
The recent and ongoing clashes in both cricket and football underscore the vibrant and keenly contested sporting relationship between South Africa and Zimbabwe, a rivalry that continues to captivate fans across the region.
